I'm always open to trying new stuff on the bike, as long as it works.
I tried Big Al's GF Rig 29er years ago and enjoyed it but couldn't stomach the extra weight when I decided on the Scandal Fixie, so that was a 26er lightweight - 17lbs.
2 years of enjoying the Scandal I thought it was time for a change and a chance tweet secured a front 29er wheel to test from Rich
I run a 420mm pace RC31 rigid carbon fork and the wheel fits in fine
Stem swapped and dropped from my usual high mast position to super low race position to counteract the bigger wheel and it's good to go.
Did 33 miles on it last night and the hand position feels just right. So far the pros and cons are:
Pros
More stable especially downhill
More momentum - just keeps rolling
More front end grip
Makes you feel like a 24hr racer
Cons
Extra weight - 500gms extra
Slightly slower steering on very low speed stuff
Looks a bit funny
I'll keep riding it as it is then maybe think about lightening the wheel up a bit if I still like it
oooh, exciting. alsmot like getting a new bike :)
ReplyDeletei didn't realise that you can put bigger wheels in any frame, thought you'd hit your toes when steering. and i don't understand how it fits in the forks. this might be why i am not a bicycle mechanic.
Feels like quite a different animal, so a bit like a cheap new bike. :)
ReplyDeletePlenty of room from the toes to the wheel.
Bigger wheels were a no-go in frames and forks with rim brakes but disc brakes don't have the brake alignment problem, so anything goes (along as it doesn't hit anything!)
Loads of room above the tyre in the fork and there would be even more above yours as your fork is longer (440mm compared to my 420mm)
Worth a try if you fancy a cheap 'new bike'
hmmm, not sure i can even justify it as i haven't ridden the scandal since march. let me know next time you're off in the week riding, if you fancy company :)
ReplyDeleteI'll let you know :)
ReplyDelete